FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cristina Valdivia, Cristina.Valdivia@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, (916) 508-9018
California Service Corps, National Guard Mobilize to Support Food Banks in Wake of Federal Shutdown
What you need to know: California Volunteers, Office of the Governor’s California Service Corps swiftly deployed to food banks, along with the California National Guard, as the ongoing federal shutdown delays SNAP benefits for 5.5 million Californians.
LOS ANGELES — Today, under Governor Gavin Newsom’s direction, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor’s California Service Corps members and the California National Guard were deployed to support the LA Food Bank as part of a humanitarian mission triggered by the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on food benefits for millions of Californians.
“Today Governor Newsom deployed the California National Guard and California Service Corps on a humanitarian mission to protect California families and kids from going hungry. At a time when DC is shut down, we are stepping up,” said California Chief Service Officer and Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday, who was on site at the LA Food Bank today.
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday, right, helps a member of the California National Guard and a California Service Corps member from the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program pack fruit at the LA Food Bank.
The Los Angeles deployment marks the first response as food bank needs across the state are being assessed.
In addition to this deployment, Governor Newsom is fast-tracking upwards of $80 million in state support ahead of funding delays caused by the federal shutdown. With Thanksgiving approaching and food prices rising, these resources will strengthen food banks and ensure vulnerable Californians have access to essential nutrition.
This effort mirrors the 2020 statewide response, when the California National Guard, California Volunteers and tens of thousands of volunteers mobilized to feed communities during the pandemic. Together, these actions are a part of a coordinated, statewide response.
This swift deployment underscores California’s commitment to community resilience and ensures that Californians affected by the government shutdown can continue to access vital food benefits. Learn more at CAServiceCorps.com.
INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR FRYDAY: vimeo.com/1130317739
B-ROLL: vimeo.com/1130324998
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH with GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Please send requests to Cristina Valdivia, Cristina.Valdivia@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, (916) 508-9018.
###
About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
California Volunteers, under GO-Serve, empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
